BR102012020994A2 - vehicle and system - Google Patents

Abstract

VEHICLE, AND, SYSTEM. According to exemplary embodiments, a hood latch assembly is provided for a vehicle. The bonnet latch assembly is configured to be positioned within a front compartment of a vehicle and to loosely retain a vehicle bonnet in a closed position with a first bonnet latch and in a partially open position with a second bonnet latch. A bonnet release mechanism is configured to be positioned within a vehicle passenger compartment and to be coupled to the bonnet release assembly to release the first bonnet latch in a first operation of the bonnet release mechanism and releasing the second hood latch in a second operation of the hood latch release mechanism. This provides a dual action release mechanism that can be operated entirely from inside the vehicle.

Description

“VEHICLE AND SYSTEM” TECHNICAL FIELD

The technical field generally refers to vehicle hood latch assemblies, and more particularly to a dual-acting hood latch assembly for a vehicle.

GROUNDS

Contemporary vehicles typically include a hood providing closure for an engine compartment. The hood can be moved between an open position to allow access to the engine compartment and a closed position against the vehicle chassis to close access to the engine compartment. Generally, a hood latch holds the hood in the closed position, but can be unlocked to allow the hood to be moved to its open position.

A common type of bonnet latch assembly includes a primary latch to lock the bonnet in its closed position, an operable cable release from inside the vehicle to move the primary latch to an unlocked position, and a safety spring to move the hood to a partially open position where the hood is held by a secondary latch. The secondary latch is provided as a safety feature if the primary latch should unexpectedly release so that the hood cannot be inadvertently opened when the vehicle is being operated. The secondary latch is typically manually operated through access from the front of the vehicle to allow the hood to be unlocked from its partially open position and moved to its open position.

However, some users object to having to feel around under a partially open hood for secondary hood release, since the area around the vehicle grille or under the hood is often a dirty, hot environment. Also, leaving from the passenger compartment to move the front of the vehicle may be inconvenient or undesirable due to inclement weather conditions.

Therefore, it is desirable to provide a bonnet latch assembly for a vehicle. Also, it is desirable to provide an improved 5-bolt latch assembly for a vehicle that overcomes the disadvantages of conventional hood-bolt assemblies. Additionally, other desirable aspects and features of the present invention will become apparent from the subsequent description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and the preceding and prior art field.

BRIEF SUMMARY

According to exemplary embodiments, a latch and hood release mechanism is provided for a vehicle. The system comprises a hood latch assembly configured to be positioned within a vehicle front compartment and to releasably retain a vehicle hood in a closed position with a first hood latch and in a partially open position with a second Jrinco in the hood. A bonnet release mechanism configured to be positioned within a vehicle passenger compartment and coupled to the bonnet release assembly to release the first bonnet latch in a first operation of the latch release mechanism. The second hood latch is released in a second operation of the hood latch release mechanism. In one embodiment, it provides a dual action release mechanism that can be operated entirely from within the vehicle. In other embodiments, the release mechanism could be positioned elsewhere in the vehicle.

According to exemplary embodiments, a hood latch release method is provided for a vehicle. The method comprises releasing a first bonnet latch by retaining a bonnet providing closure to a vehicle front compartment in a first operation of a bonnet latch release mechanism positioned within a vehicle passenger compartment. The second bonnet latch holds the bonnet in a partially open position and is released in a second operation of the bonnet latch release mechanism positioned within the vehicle's passenger compartment. In this way, both the first and second latches are released from inside the vehicle's passenger compartment, allowing the hood to move to an open position.

DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

The subject will hereinafter be described in conjunction with the following drawing figures, in which the same reference numerals denote the same elements:

Figure 1 is an illustration of a vehicle suitable for the use of exemplary mechanical embodiments of the present disclosure;

Figure 2 is an illustration of a vehicle suitable for the use of exemplary electrical embodiments of the present disclosure;

Figure 3 is an illustration of a portion of a passenger compartment of the vehicle of Figure 1 or Figure 2;

Figure 4 is a perspective illustration of a double acting bonnet latch according to mechanical or electrical embodiments of the present disclosure;

Figures 5A - 5D are side view illustrations of the hood latch of Figure 4 demonstrating the dual action operation of the hood latch assembly according to the mechanical or electrical embodiments of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following detailed description is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the subject matter of the exhibition or its uses. Further, there is no intention to be restricted to any expressed or implied theory set forth in the preceding technical field, prior art, brief summary or the following detailed description.

In this document, relational terms, such as first and second, and the like, may only be used to distinguish one individuality or action from another individuality or action without necessarily requiring or implying any actual of such relationship or order between such individualities or actions. actions. Numerical ordinals such as "first", "second", "third", etc., simply denote different units of a plurality and do not imply any order or sequence unless specifically defined by the language of the claims.

Additionally, the following description refers to elements or characteristics that are "connected" or coupled "together. When used herein, "connected" may refer to an element / feature that is directly attached to (or directly communicating with) another element / feature, and not necessarily mechanically. Likewise, "coupled" may refer to an element / feature that is directly or indirectly linked to (or directly or indirectly communicating with) another element / feature, and not necessarily mechanically. However, it should be understood that although two elements will be described below in one embodiment as being "connected" in alternative embodiments, similar elements may be "coupled" and vice versa. Thus, while the schematic diagrams shown herein represent exemplary arrangements of additional intervention elements, devices, features or components may be present in a current embodiment.

Finally, for brevity, conventional techniques and components related to mechanical or electrical parts of vehicles and other functional aspects of the system (and the individual operating components of the system) may not be described in detail here. In addition, the connecting lines shown in the various figures contained herein are intended to represent exemplary functional relationships and / or physical couplings between the various elements. It should be noted that many alternative or additional functional relationships or physical connections may be present in one embodiment of the invention. It should also be understood that figures 1-4 are merely illustrative and may not be drawn to scale.

Referring to the drawings, wherein the same reference numerals refer to the same components, Figure 1 shows a vehicle 10 suitable for use with the exemplary mechanical embodiments of the present disclosure. Vehicle 10 may be any of a number of different types of vehicles, such as, for example, a sedan, pickup truck, truck, or SUV, and may be two-wheel drive (2WD). ), four-wheel drive (4WD), or all-wheel drive (AWD). Vehicle 10 may also incorporate any of. or combinations of. a number of different engine types, such as, for example, a gasoline or diesel-powered combustion engine, a flex fuel vehicle (FFT) engine (ie, using a mixture of gasoline and alcohol), an engine powered by gaseous compound (eg hydrogen and / or natural gas), a combustion engine / electric hybrid engine, and an electric motor.

Vehicle 10 includes a hood 12 which provides closure of a front compartment, which in some embodiments may be an engine compartment. The hood 12 is shown in solid lines in its closed position and in dashed lines in a partially open position 12 'and a fully open position 12 ”. The hood 12 can be released by operating a hood release handle 18. Together, the hood release handle 14 and the hood release cable 18 form a hood release mechanism for the exemplary mechanical embodiments of the present disclosure. . A first operation of the bonnet release mechanism causes a first (or primary) bonnet latch to release the bonnet to a partially open position 12 'where it is held by a second (or secondary) bonnet latch, as will be discussed later. However, unlike conventional secondary hood latches that require manual operation by a user through access to the front of the vehicle, exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure contemplate that the hood can be unlocked from from its partially open position and fully released to move toward its open position from the interior of the passenger compartment 20 of the vehicle 10 via a second operation of the hood release mechanism. That is, a user can completely unlock the hood (both the primary and secondary hood latches) so that it can be moved to an open position 12 'while the user remains comfortably in the vehicle 10.

Referring now to Figure 2, wherein the same reference numerals refer to the same components, exemplary electrical embodiments of the present disclosure include a bonnet latch assembly 16 which is electrically operated by a vehicle controller 22 (or other system of electronic control) when a user activates a hood release button or switch. Together, vehicle controller 22, bonnet release switch 24, and wires 26 constitute a bonnet release mechanism for the exemplary electrical embodiments of the present disclosure. Vehicle controller 22 communicates via one or more wires 26 to carry a signal or energy to an electrical release device that operates the hood latch assembly 16 to release the hood 12 from its closed position upon first operation. the bonnet release switch to its partially open position 12 '. A second operation of the hood release switch 234 unlocks the secondary hood latch, allowing the 12 ”hood to move to its open position.

Figure 3 is an illustration of a portion of the passenger compartment 20 of vehicle 10 of Figures 1 or 2. In the mechanical embodiments 5 (Figure 1) of the bonnet release mechanism, a bonnet release handle 14 is positioned for operation. by a user. For the electrical modes (Figure 2) of the bonnet release mechanism, a bonnet release switch (eg keys) 24 is shown positioned on the passenger compartment panel 20. It will be appreciated, however, that the release handle 14 and the hood release switch 24 may be positioned in other areas of the passenger compartment 20 as determined by the vehicle manufacturer for the user's convenience.

Since the hood 12 can be completely unlocked from the inside of the vehicle (see figures 1 and 2), this exhibit includes a number of safety locking systems to guarantee and protect the occupants of the vehicle. First, according to conventional mechanical vehicle locking systems, the hood release handle 14 may be prevented from operating unless a safety lever 26 is in a "parking" position. Also, the hood release handle 14 may be prevented from operating unless a brake pedal 28 is depressed toward the floor plate. Additionally, the hood release handle 14 may be prevented from operating unless the engine (not shown) is off.

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It is also common for contemporary vehicles to have a

Half-open hood warning indicator that would be activated on a first operation of the hood release handle 14 as a precautionary measure before the second operation of the hood release handle 14 was allowed. In various embodiments, the ajar hood warning indicator could be a lighted phrase or icon 30 on the control panel or a message that is displayed on a display 32 of a vehicle driver information center. Any of these visual warning indicators could be accompanied by an audible tone or a recorded voice message 5 (stored) to warn the user that the hood 12 '(see figures 1 and 2) is ajar. Finally, in plenty of caution, the vehicle's engine (not shown) could be shut down (if running) if gear shift lever 26 was pulled out of the “parking” position while the ajar bonnet warning indicator was active.

The electrical modes (see figures 2) also

contemplate a number of safety lockout features, generally these embodiments make use of the vehicle controller (22 in figure 2) to monitor various systems within the vehicle. Generally, in electrical modes, the bonnet release switch 24 will be operable 15 (ie, the switch may be depressed), however, the vehicle controller will not send a signal or power to the solenoid operating the bonnet latch (16 at figure 2) if, for example, gearshift lever 26 is not in the “parking” position or brake pedal 28 is not depressed towards the floor. Other safety lockout conditions include, but are not limited to, the vehicle controller (22 of figure 2) detecting that the vehicle is moving or the engine is running. In some embodiments, two hood release switches (24 and 24 ') should be simultaneously activated simultaneously (depressed) as another precautionary measure against accidental hood opening. Also, the two hood release switches (24 and 24 ') can be positioned far enough apart to require the use of both hands.

Figure 4 is a perspective illustration of a double acting hood latch 16 according to mechanical (Figure 1) or electrical (Figure 2) embodiments of the present disclosure. The hood latch 16 engages a striker 40 which is coupled to the underside of the hood (not shown in figure 4). In the closed position, a first (primary) hood latch 42 engages the striker 40 as shown. A second (secondary) hood latch 44 is positioned above the striker 40 to engage the same when releasing the striker 40 from the first hood latch 42 so that the hood (12 'of figures 1 and 2) rises ( via conventional spring tension or equivalent) to the partially open position. The first and second hood latches (42 and 44) are operated by a cam 44 having pins (43 and 45) which rotate the first and second hood latches (42 and 44, respectively) in a clockwise direction (Figure 4). ) to release the striker 40 in a first operation and then a second operation of a hood latch release mechanism (not shown in figure 4). The cam 46 is coupled via a fastener 50 to a cable or rod 48, which in turn can be connected to a solenoid 52 in the electrical modalities (see Figure 2) or to the hood release cable (18 of Figure 1) in the mechanical modalities. Solenoid 52 receives operating signal or operating power (to energize solenoid) via wires 26 which are coupled to vehicle controller (22 of FIG. 2). In the various mechanical embodiments, it will be appreciated that bonnet release cable 118 may be directly coupled to cam 46 via fastener 50, if desired in any particular embodiment.

Figures 5A - 5D are side view illustrations of the hood latch 16 demonstrating its dual action operation. Figure 5A shows the hood latch 16 in the hood position (12 of figures 1 or 2) closed with the striker 40 retained by the first hood latch 42. In figure 5B, the first operation of the hood release mechanism (not 5A 5B) begins by causing a downward force 54 on the cam 46 either via the solenoid or via the bonnet release cable (52 and 18 respectively of FIG. 4) which is coupled to the stem or 48. Downward force 54 causes cam 46 to rotate counterclockwise (in Figures 5A - 5B) against spring tension 57. Pin 43 turns first bonnet latch 42 counterclockwise. spring tension 43 in a counter-clockwise direction (as indicated by arrow 58) by releasing the rising striker 40 (via conventional spring tension or equivalent) as indicated by 5 arrow 60. Cam 46 continues to rotate until pin 43 encounters a stop 62 on the first hood latch 4 2, which prevents further displacement of the cable or rod 48. This completes the first operation of the hood release mechanism and the hood (12 'of figures 1 and 2) is now positioned in the partially open position where the striker 40 is engaged by second 10 hood latch 44 as shown in figure 5C.

In Figure 5D, the second operation of the bonnet release mechanism again begins by causing a downward force 54 on the cam 46 or via the bonnet release cable or solenoid (52 and 18, respectively, of FIG. 4) that is coupled to rod or cable 48. Downward force 54 causes cam 46 to still rotate in a counter-clockwise direction (in Figures 5A - 5B) (as indicated by arrow 56). Pin 45, in turn, pivots the second hood latch 44 in a counterclockwise direction (as indicated by arrow 58), releasing the still-increasing striker 40 (via conventional spring tension or equivalent) as indicated by arrow 60. Eccentric 20 continues to rotate until pin 43 moves down to a channel 64 in the first bonnet latch 42 and encounters a stop 66 at the bottom of channel 64, which prevents further cable or rod movement 48. This completes the second operation of the bonnet release mechanism and the bonnet (12 ”of figures 1 and 2) can now be moved to a fully open position once the striker 40 is now released from the second bonnet latch. 44. It will be appreciated that while the exemplary embodiments of FIGS. 5A 5D have been illustrated as a double pull-pull action for the first and second hood release mechanism operations, various embodiments of the present disclosure are easily adapted LEVELS a double action operation push-pull, push-pull or push-push.

Therefore, a double acting bonnet latch is provided for a vehicle, which facilitates the release of both a first (primary) and a second (secondary) hood latch from inside a vehicle's passenger compartment . Numerous safety locking systems are provided for the safety and security of the vehicle occupants.

While at least one exemplary embodiment has been set forth in the foregoing summary and detailed description, it should be appreciated that a large number of variations exist. It should also be appreciated that the exemplary embodiment or exemplary embodiments are exemplary only, and are not intended to limit the scope, applicability, or configuration of the exposure in any way. However, the foregoing summary and detailed description will provide those skilled in the art with a convenient roadmap for implementing example embodiment or example embodiments. It should be understood that various changes may be made to the operation and arrangement of the elements without departing from the scope of the exposure as set forth in the appended claims and their legal equivalents.

Claims (10)

1. Vehicle, characterized in that it comprises: a hood providing closure for a front compartment of the vehicle; a bonnet latch assembly positioned within the front compartment and configured to loosely retain the bonnet in a closed position with a first bonnet latch and in a partially open position with a second bonnet latch; a bonnet release mechanism operable from within a vehicle passenger compartment and coupled to the bonnet latch assembly to release the first bonnet latch in a first operation of the latch release mechanism and to release the second bonnet latch in a second operation of the hood latch release mechanism; wherein both the first and second hood latches are released from within the vehicle's passenger compartment allowing the hood to move to an open position. Vehicle according to claim 1, characterized in that the hood latch release mechanism further comprises a release cable coupled to the hood latch assembly and a release handle within the passenger compartment. Vehicle according to claim 2, characterized in that it further comprises a locking system preventing operation of the release handle. Vehicle according to claim 3, characterized in that the locking system prevents operation of the release handle unless a vehicle shift lever is in a parking position. Vehicle according to claim 3, characterized in that the locking system prevents operation of the release handle unless a vehicle brake pedal is depressed. Vehicle according to claim 1, characterized in that the latch release mechanism further comprises an electric release device coupled to the hood latch assembly, the electric release device being activated by a vehicle controller responsive to receive a first command to release the first bonnet latch from inside the vehicle's passenger compartment. Vehicle according to Claim 6, characterized in that the electric release device is activated by the responsive vehicle controller receiving a second command to release the second hood latch. Vehicle according to claim 7, characterized in that it further comprises a locking system preventing the vehicle controller from activating the electric release device. Vehicle according to Claim 8, characterized in that the locking system prevents the vehicle controller from activating the electric release device when the vehicle is in motion. A system, characterized in that it comprises: a bonnet latch assembly configured to be positioned within a front compartment of a vehicle and to releasably retain a vehicle bonnet in a closed position with a first bonnet latch and in a partially open position with a second hood latch; and a bonnet release mechanism configured to be positioned within a vehicle passenger compartment and coupled to the bonnet assembly to release the first bonnet latch in a first operation of the bonnet release mechanism and releasing the second hood latch in a second operation of the hood latch release mechanism.